Nathan & Heather's Cozy Vintage Ballard Home

Nathan and Heather live in a cozy two bedroom apartment in Ballard, where they have designed the vintage whimsy home they've always wanted. Here, art and creativity abound as their apartment is furnished generously with vintage estate sale goodness.

Married for three years, Nathan and Heather clearly love vintage and collecting second hand pieces from family, estate sales and second hand shops. "Nathan works as a Site Lead and Carpenter for a residential remodeling company. Heather has an apparel design background but decided to switch careers for a breath and is currently managing a large apartment complex in Ballard. We are moving to Los Angeles in October and are looking for jobs!! We can't wait!" Living in the Pacific Northwest has its effect on designing a home. "Because of the Scandinavian history of Ballard we found many of our nautical pieces from local estate sales and vintage shops. And because we don't love spending our time outside in the overcast cold drizzle our apartment has to be warm and inviting so we don't go crazy!"

They believe strongly that designing a home depends heavily on accommodating flow and seating. Also they attribute their happy environment to the good lighting and ample windows. When I asked what were the most significant things in their house they noted the dining table which had great sentimental value. "This was our first furniture purchase together. It was in mint condition, made in Seattle by Arrowline, Inc. in 1961. The family who owned this was expecting family from the Midwest in 1961 so the father decided to refurnish their whole house. He passed away only months later and the table sat virtually unused for almost 50 years. We cherish it and are happy to bring new life to it. "

• Couch, End Table, Lounge Chair, Ottoman, Travel Case: Thrift store• Coffee Table, 2 Danish Chairs: Purchased from friends• Wood Mantel: Made by Nathan• Lamp on End Table: Fremont Sunday Market • Wheel Wall Lamps: Fremont Vintage Mall• Magazine Stand: Estate sale• Chalkware French Bulldog: Prize won by Great Aunt Frances or her Beau at the 1937 Idaho Fair. • 3 Viking Ships: Heather had the large Viking ship from her Brother who found it at a thrift store in Eastern Washington around the year 2000. Later Nathan and Heather were looking through an old 1961 Spiegel catalog and found that the ship was originally part of a set of 3. A few years later, Nathan was in an abandoned motel in Eastern Washington and found the 2 missing ships! He brought them home to make our complete set. We like to believe they were once a set and we reunited them. • Curtains: Fred Meyer• Carpet Remnant: Remnant King